جُدتَ يا بَحرُ بِالدواءَةِ فَضلاً

جُدتَ يا بَحرُ بِالدواءَةِ فَضلاً

فَتَبدَّت تُبينُ صَفْوَ وِدادِكْ

فَتَبدَّت تُبينُ صَفْوَ وِدادِكْ

You generously gave the inkwell, O sea, as a favor;

Oh generous sea, your kindness overflows

so it appeared, revealing the purity of your affection.

Revealing the purity of your affection

لَم أَزَل يا بَحرَ السّخاءِ فَقيراً

لَم أَزَل يا بَحرَ السّخاءِ فَقيراً

مُستَمدّاً أَخا الحِجى مِن مِدادِكْ

مُستَمدّاً أَخا الحِجى مِن مِدادِكْ

I remain in need, O sea of generosity,

I remain, oh sea of generosity, ever needy

seeking replenishment, O brother of wisdom, from your ink.

Drawing, brother pilgrim, from your ink